Oceania, a vast and diverse region encompassing Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, stands as a beacon of educational excellence and cultural richness. With its stunning landscapes, from the vibrant coral reefs of the Pacific to the bustling urban centers of Sydney and Auckland, Oceania offers an unparalleled backdrop for academic pursuits. As of 2025, the region’s commitment to fostering global talent through fully funded scholarships has never been stronger. These opportunities are designed not just to alleviate financial barriers but to empower students from around the world—particularly those from developing nations—to drive meaningful change in their home countries and beyond.
Fully funded scholarships in Oceania typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, travel allowances, and sometimes even research or fieldwork support. They span undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels, catering to a wide array of disciplines including STEM, environmental science, public health, business, and social sciences. Australia’s robust economy and New Zealand’s innovative research ecosystem, combined with targeted programs for Pacific Islanders, make this region a prime destination for international students.
In 2025, amid global challenges like climate change and economic recovery, these scholarships emphasize sustainable development, leadership, and cultural exchange. Programs like Australia’s Australia Awards and New Zealand’s Manaaki Scholarships prioritize applicants who demonstrate potential to contribute to their communities upon return. For Pacific Island students, initiatives such as the Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships provide vital access to regional institutions, addressing unique challenges like geographic isolation and resource constraints.
Fully Funded Scholarship Opportunities in Oceania 2025
1. Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) 2025-2026
Administered by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, AAS is a flagship program for students from over 55 developing countries, including many in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. It funds full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at top Australian universities like the University of Sydney, Monash University, and the University of Melbourne. Benefits include full tuition, a monthly stipend of around AUD 30,000, return airfare, establishment allowance, and overseas student health cover. Priority fields include agriculture, health, education, and economic development, aligning with recipients’ home countries’ needs. Applications opened in early 2025 and close on April 30, 2025 (11:59 PM AEST). Over 989 scholarships worth AUD 250 million are awarded annually, emphasizing leadership potential.
2. Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships (AAPS) 2025-2026
Tailored for citizens of Pacific nations like Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Wallis and Futuna, AAPS supports study at regional institutions in the Pacific, including the University of the South Pacific in Fiji and the University of Papua New Guinea. Fully funded, it covers tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and a living allowance, plus return travel and medical insurance. The program targets vocational training, diplomas, and degrees in high-impact areas like climate resilience, health, and governance. Applications for the 2026 intake (relevant for mid-2025 starts) open February 1, 2025, and close April 29, 2025. It’s designed for those committed to returning home to drive community change, with preparatory language training available.
3. University of Auckland Pacific Scholarships 2025
New Zealand’s University of Auckland offers guaranteed scholarships for high-achieving Pacific students, including those from Oceania’s islands. The Pacific Doctoral Scholarship provides up to NZD 34,569 annually plus tuition fees and insurance for PhD study. For master’s and postgraduate diplomas, the Pacific Postgraduate Scholarship awards NZD 14,346 per year plus fees. Open to New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, or international Pacific Islanders, these prioritize fields like bioengineering, business, and indigenous studies. A dedicated award for Cook Islands women offers NZD 11,000 for any undergraduate or postgraduate program. Applications align with university enrollment deadlines, typically October 2025 for 2026 starts, but early expressions of interest are encouraged.
4. Deakin University Scholarships 2025
Located in Victoria, Australia, Deakin University provides fully funded options like the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship, covering 100% of tuition for master’s and PhD students from Pacific and developing nations. It includes a AUD 28,600 annual stipend, relocation allowance, and health cover. Research-focused, it supports disciplines such as engineering, health sciences, and environmental management. The RTP International Scholarship mirrors this for PhD candidates, with AUD 32,192 stipends. Open to all nationalities, but Pacific applicants receive priority. Deadlines vary by program, with major rounds in March and September 2025.
5. Monash University Co-Funded Graduate Scholarship 2025
At Monash University in Melbourne, this scholarship partners with industry for research master’s and PhDs, fully funding tuition, a AUD 33,000 stipend, and research support up to AUD 15,000. Ideal for Oceania students in STEM, social sciences, or sustainability, it emphasizes collaborative projects on regional challenges like biodiversity loss. Available to international applicants, with applications due November 2025 for 2026 entry. It’s highly competitive, favoring those with strong research proposals.
6. Women Deliver Conference 2026 Scholarships for Oceanic Pacific Youth
While not a degree program, this fully funded opportunity for Pacific youth (ages 15-30) covers attendance at the Women Deliver 2026 conference in Melbourne, Australia (April 27-30, 2026). It includes flights, accommodation, meals, visa fees, and a stipend, focusing on gender equality and leadership. Applications, open July 18 to August 10, 2025, prioritize feminists and First Nations advocates from the Oceanic Pacific. Notifications by November 2025.
READ ALSO: Top Scholarships in Europe for Non-EU Students
FAQs
Who is eligible for most Oceania scholarships in 2025?
Primarily citizens of developing countries in the Indo-Pacific, Africa, and beyond; academic merit, leadership, and development commitment are key. Pacific Islanders often get priority.
What do “fully funded” scholarships cover?
Tuition, living stipends, health insurance, airfare, and extras like research support—total value often exceeds AUD/NZD 50,000 annually.
Can undergraduates apply?
Yes, programs like AAS and Manaaki support bachelor’s degrees, though postgraduates dominate.
What if I’m from a non-eligible country?
Explore university-specific awards like Deakin’s, open to all internationals.
Do I need to return home after studying?
Yes, for government scholarships like AAS—to apply skills locally; two-year minimum.
How competitive are these?
Highly; aim for top grades (GPA 3.0+), strong essays, and extracurriculars.
